Why Veggie Grill CEO thinks downsizing will fuel growth

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Veggie Grill's plan for growth includes exploring franchising, menu enhancements and technology upgrades.

FastCasual accepting nominations for 2024 Brands to Watch

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

August 28, 2023

Just a few months ago, we celebrated the annual 2023 Fast Casual Top 100 Movers & Shakers, which recognizes the industry's most innovative companies…

20 years later: Pumpkin spice still rules

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Although it's too early to tell if all-things pumpkin will increase traffic this year, it's a likely outcome based on the past 20 years. Most chains have…

Will Japan-based Pepper Lunch dominate the US?

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Although the Japanese-based concept has only five restaurants in the U.S., it spans nearly 500 locations in 15 countries and plans to have 100 North American…

Hawaiian fast casual loses store to wildfires, raises funds for workers

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

L&L's store in Lahaina, Hawaii was lost to flames from the wildfires and its Honokowai location is temporarily closed due to no electricity or water. Nearly 2…

Introducing FastCasual's 2023 Perfect Pitchers

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Founders of Haven Hot Chicken, Mahana Fresh, Pizzawala, Pucci Brothers Fresh Italian and Sankranti Indian Kitchen will take the stage on Oct. 9 to pitch their…

Is cold the new hot at Starbucks?

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

August 3, 2023

The cold business at Starbucks is hotter than ever as sales of unheated drinks reached 75% of U.S. beverage sales during the chain's third quarter, which ended…

Shake Shack CFO: Operational improvements enhancing profitability

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

August 3, 2023

Despite higher than usual operating costs, New York-based Shake Shack Inc. reported Thursday a net income of $6.9 million and a profit of 16 cents for its 202…

Are Chipotle price increases back on the table?

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

July 27, 2023

Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. may be raising menu prices after noting food costs were up during Wednesday's second-quarter earnings call with investors. Total…

Fazoli's exploring AI ordering at drive-thru

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Doug Bostick, president of Fazoli’s, is testing drive-thru voice AI in 12 company restaurants.

Why McAlister's is betting on breakfast catering

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

The goals for McAlister's breakfast catering relaunch were to create exciting choices without adding new SKUs and to tackle packaging with supply chain…

FastCasual to honor 2023 Hall of Famers

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Each leader will attend the summit to accept an award and share leadership experience, strategies and a few lessons learned along the way.

Lobster rolls onto fast casual menus

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Lobster is catching on at fast casual menus as mentions of the fare have increased 4.5% on core menus over the past year, including 9.1% in appetizers and 100…

Will Panera's grocery rewards platform drive cafe traffic?

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Panera Grocery Rewards sits at the nexus of the company’s loyalty program, CPG business and in-cafe offerings.

Shake Shack, Scooter's Coffee execs keynoting Fast Casual Executive Summit

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Idris Stover, Shake Shack's director of diversity, equity, inclusion and culture, and Nathan Lester, senior director of drive-thru innovation at Scooter's…

How 1 fast casual bakery CEO found success with no recipe

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Mignon François, founder of the Cupcake Collection and mother of six who turned her family’s $5 weekly dinner budget into a multi-million-dollar bakery brand…

Starbucks percolates solid Q2

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

May 3, 2023

Starbucks CEO Laxman Narasimhan said the chain was focused on advancing technology, enhancing equipment, and streamlining operations.

UK's Floozie Cookies ready to win the 'Cookie Conundrum'

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Canadian-born pastry chef Kimberly Lin is confident that her 100% vegan-stuffed cookie concept, launched in 2020, takes the (cookie) cake.

Women in the Lead 2023: Honoring 21 of fast casual's top female leaders

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

In honor of International Women's Day, FastCasual interviewed 21 female executives leading the industry.

Experts explore NFTs, digital innovation, labor shortages, food insecurity needs

by Cherryh Cansler — Editor, FastCasual.com

Attendees will become mini experts in all-things NFT, digital innovation, fixing the labor shortages and meeting food insecurity needs. Speakers include Blaine…